Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), first introduced in 1968, is now one of the most common surgical procedures and the most common cardiac procedures worldwide. It is estimated that over 800,000 CABG surgeries are performed worldwide each year. The goals of CABG are to reduce mortality, prevent the progress of heart failure and reduce symptoms associated with coronary artery disease. This chapter deals with cardiac critical care issues that pertain to the patient undergoing CABG and potential post-operative complications.